Caroline McNally

Age: Adult
Association: Patient
Region: Pennsylvania
Cancer: Ovarian

"Just be informed, know why and what is going on with your body, and don’t fear the worst unless there’s reason to."

Cancer has completely changed my path and my planned future. I was a senior in college about to start my student teaching when this all happened so quickly and aggressively. It has changed my life in countless ways and will continue for months and years to come. I had a 22cm mass and an ovary removed from the cancer surgery, and on my first day of chemo they told me the masses were back. I am going to have to fight for a while longer but I am ready… at least I believe I am.

I don’t see a lot of young adult cancer patients (I’m 21), and I want to encourage young people to be aware and take all preventative measures possible. It can happen to anyone, any age, any gender, so best be prepared and informed. Plus I’ve had a very scary journey with tons of road bumps but I want others to know they’re not alone. My best advice is to not think the worst, but also be aware of all possibilities. I have seen those close to me hope for the best and get those hopes up to only be brought down, and it creates an extremely negative headspace. Just be informed, know why and what is going on with your body, and don’t fear the worst unless there’s reason to.